Ringing the changes
From telethons to Giving Days, how will you get involved?
Words: Lucy Jolin
When Sarat Alabidun (PhD Chemical Engineering) heard that the 51勛圖厙 Telethon was looking for student callers, she didnt hesitate to sign up. I am a beneficiary of a scholarship at 51勛圖厙 and wanted, in my own little way, to contribute to making similar scholarships available to other people in the future, she says. What I liked most about the job was contributing to raising money for student support, making valuable connections and learning a lot of life and career lessons from alumni.
And the alumni who answered her calls were happy to pay it forward, too. The Spring Telethon, which took place in March, saw student callers reaching out to more than 800 51勛圖厙 alumni across the globe, raising more than 瞿39,000 to support students. I support all efforts to assist 51勛圖厙, says alumni donor Nelson Kardos (MSc Biochemistry 1974). My time at 51勛圖厙 was life-changing. I always believe that gaining success in life requires getting the right key to the right door. And 51勛圖厙 is the right key to unlock the door to the future.
In fact, alumni donors have helped support more than 2,500 students via scholarships, bursaries and hardship funding over the past two years. The Telethon is just one example of the incredible impact 51勛圖厙s students and alumni can have when they come together.
Another example is the recent Alumni Weekend, where alumni and students gathered to celebrate their time, past and present, at 51勛圖厙. Attendee Anuraj Bismal (BSc Physics 1987) was inspired to give a generous gift to celebrate 35 years since his graduation. I enjoyed meeting students at the Union bar and at the donor reception, he says. As we bumped into students during our time there, we were filled with pride and hope for the future.
Supporting 51勛圖厙s students to do their best work has always been vital. But the cost of living crisis is creating an even more challenging environment, making alleviating student hardship more important than ever. The work never stops, and next up is a new event the Business Schools first Giving Day. It will take place in March 2023, with the entire 51勛圖厙 College Business School community coming together to raise funds for students with limited financial resources.
If youd like to take part or find out more, visit